Strip Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A strip dispenser ( 70 ) for dispensing one strip (S) from a plurality of strips (S). The strip dispenser ( 70 ) includes a container ( 2 ) that is constructed and arranged to hold a number of strips (S). There is a first structure ( 3 ) that defines one or more thin slots ( 8 ) that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container ( 2 ), and that have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of a strip (S), where the slots ( 8 ) are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot ( 8 ) together. There is also a strip sorting structure ( 4 ) that inhibits a strip (S) that has at least partially passed through a slot ( 8 ) from fully leaving the container ( 2 ) until the strip (S) is pulled out of the container ( 2 ) by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/495,622 filed on Jun. 10, 2011.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a structure that stores strips and allows them to be dispensed by a user.

BACKGROUND

Thin strips such as those used in blood glucose monitors should be readily dispensable from the storage container one at a time. However, the strips tend to stick together, making it difficult to grasp and remove only one strip from the storage container.

SUMMARY

This disclosure features a strip dispenser that is constructed and arranged to dispense a single elongated strip from a plurality of strips that are stored in the container. The strip dispenser can be used in any situation in which it is desirable to dispense a single strip. The examples describe dispensing a strip of the type that is used in blood glucose monitors, but that is not a limitation of the disclosure. Other examples of strips that can be dispensed include pH strips, and other medical testing strips. In most cases the strips are small, generally planar, thin, narrow, elongated and somewhat flexible such that they can be slightly bent along their length out of the plane in which they lie in the normal unbent state.

The strip dispenser may include an open-top container, and a first structure coupled to the open top and that defines one or more slots. The slots are preferably generally parallel to the perimeter of the container so that strips that are standing up along the inside of the container can pass through a slot when the container is turned upside down and shaken. The slots may be configured to allow only one strip at a time to pass through a slot. This strip sorting function can be accomplished by configuring the slots such that they are just slightly wider than the thickness of a strip, and not as wide as the thickness of two strips, in which case if two or more strips are clumped together back-to-back they cannot pass through the slot. There is also structure that is constructed and arranged to inhibit a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from leaving the container until the strip is grasped and pulled out by the user; this structure may include a stopping piston. The stopping piston may be held in the container by an enlarged end. The enlarged end may be held by a series of flexible arms.

Alternatively, the structure that is constructed and arranged to inhibit a strip from leaving the container may include an angled or ramped surface; this surface may project inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the dispenser. As another alternative the structure that is constructed and arranged to inhibit a strip from leaving the container may include a series of channels; the channels may be narrowed at their ends such that the ends are slightly less wide than the width of the strips. The channels may be defined by a unitary structure that is held in the container.

The strip sorting structure may be held in a container that itself is located in the canister. The container may have a hollow post that defines an opening that accepts a portion of the strip sorting structure. The first structure may define a generally conical structure oriented such that its vertex is located near the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container. The first structure and the strip sorting structure may or may not be integral. The container may be open at one end and the first structure may be coupled to the open end. The strip sorting structure may be coupled to the first structure.

Featured in another example is a strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising an open-top container that is made from a plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of strips, a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot together, and strip sorting structure that inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the user. The first structure may define a generally conical structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container. The strip sorting structure may be coupled to the first structure.

In yet another example the disclosure features a strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising an open-top container that is made from a plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of strips, a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip, and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot together, in which the first structure defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container, and a stopping piston that is held relative to the container by an enlarged end that is held by a series of flexible arms, wherein the stopping piston inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a disassembled view of a strip dispenser, and FIG. 1B a cross-sectional view thereof. FIGS. 1C and 1D are cross-sectional and top views of a strip guide of the dispenser. FIGS. 1E and 1F are side and top views of the strip guide. FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 1H is a top view thereof. FIGS. 1I and 1J show the strip dispenser in use.

FIG. 2A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 2D a top view thereof. FIGS. 2E and 2F show the strip dispenser in use.

FIG. 3A is a disassembled view of yet another strip dispenser. FIGS. 3B-3E are side, top perspective, top and bottom views, respectively, of a strip guide of the dispenser. FIGS. 3F-3H are perspective, cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the strip container. FIGS. 3I-3K are cross-sectional, top, perspective and cross-sectional in-use views of the assembled strip dispenser, with FIG. 3L a cross-sectional view of the strip dispenser of FIG. 3K.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Following are descriptions of three examples of the strip dispenser. The examples illustrate the disclosure but do not limit its scope, which is established by the claims. In each of the examples, the preferred construction is to make all of the parts from molded plastic.

Example 1 “Moving Positive Stop Version”—FIGS. 1A-1J

FIG. 1A is a disassembled view of a strip dispenser, and FIG. 1B a cross-sectional view thereof. FIGS. 1C and 1D are cross-sectional and top views of the strip guide of strip dispenser 70. FIGS. 1E and 1F are side and top views of the strip guide. FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 1H is a top view thereof. FIGS. 1I and 1J show the strip dispenser in use.

In this example of strip dispenser 70, a plurality of strips S are located standing upright in container 2. Container 2 is an open-top molded plastic container in which the plastic from which the container is made includes a desiccant material, which helps to reduce moisture within canister 1. Container 2 and strip guide 3 can be held together via friction fit, or in another mechanical fashion such as with a connector. Engagement members 12 are small fingers created via small slots or openings in cone 13 to create enough give or play to allow enlarged engagement tip 14 to be inserted and also prevent piston 4 from falling out when the strip dispenser is turned upside down and shaken.

When dispenser 70 is turned upside down and shaken, strips S encounter directing cone 11, which serves to separate the strips and direct them toward gap 8. Gaps or slots 8 are generally parallel to the perimeter of container 2. The slots have a smallest dimension (width in this case) that is greater than the thickness of a strip but less than the thickness of two strips; if two or more strip are stuck or clumped together back to back they cannot fit through the slot. The slot location, size and shape thus prohibits clumped strips from being dispensed. With a round container such as this, the slots are generally arc-shaped, follow the perimeter contour of the container, and have a thickness in the radial direction (i.e., along a radius of the container) that is less than two times the thickness of a strip.

Stopping piston 4 is constructed and arranged to extend out from dispenser 3 a distance that is slightly less than the length of the strips, so that any strips that exit container 2 through slot 8 hit piston 4, which prevents the strips from falling out of container 2. The user can then grasp a single strip and pull it out of container 2 by flexing the strip sufficiently to bend it away from and around the enlarged plate at the distal end of the stopping piston.

Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the drawings and their function. Strip canister 1 is a containment unit for the strip container 2, strip guide 3, stopping piston 4 and strips S. There is a snap fit lid for canister 1 (not shown), to provide a seal. Strip container 2 is located in canister 1. Container 2 holds the strips and provides absorption of moisture from the atmosphere, in order to help ensure the efficacy of the strips. Strip guide engagement surface 5 has the same shape as the portion of strip guide 3 with which it mates, to create a smooth continual outer wall.

Strip guide 3 dispenses strips in a directionally limited fashion. It has lower container engagement surface 6 and a friction fit area 7 that holds the strip guide 3 and strip container 2 within the strip canister 1. Strip guide 3 also defines a specific radially sized slot or gap 8 that is sized so as to allow a single layer of strips to dispense through gap 8. Spreading cone 13 sits near the bottom of the container and thus forces the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container, such that the strips sit upright in the container, with their leading ends generally aligned with the slots. Directing spines 9 help to direct strips through gap 8. Repeating open arc lengths 10 are created in gap 8 via spaced spines 9. Integral directing cone 11 directs strips S outward and thus into and through gap 8. Integral flexible engagement members 12 help to accomplish a connection to the stopping piston 4.

Stopping piston 4 is held within strip guide 3 and can move in and out relative to it. Piston 4 has at its distal end a flat transverse blocking plate or surface 4 a which strips contact and cannot extend beyond without being forced to do so by the user. Piston 4 also has a conical engagement tip 14 that is wider than the un-flexed diameter of the central opening that is located between members 12, to attach piston 4 to strip guide 3 via the flexible engagement members 12.

Example 2 “Friction Positive Stop Version”—FIGS. 2A-2F

FIG. 2A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 2D a top view thereof. FIGS. 2E and 2F show the strip dispenser in use.

In this example of strip dispenser 80, the strips S are located inside of container 16. Container 16 is a molded plastic container that comprises a desiccant to help reduce humidity within canister 15. Strips that pass through gap or slot 21 contact one or two spines 27. Spines 27 guide strips into a channel 26 located between spines 27. The strip will then contact inwardly-sloped ramped wall 33 of strip flexing unit 18. Wall 33 will force the leading end of the strip toward the central longitudinal axis of the strip dispenser. Since the strip is flexible, this will cause the strip to begin to bend toward the central longitudinal axis of the dispenser. As the strip bends it will eventually bend enough that it will bind in slot 21, channel 26 and against wall 33, with the end of the strip projecting out beyond wall 33. The user can then grasp the projecting end of the strip and pull it from the strip dispenser.

Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the drawings and their function. Strip canister 15 holds strip container 16, strip sorting unit 17, strip flexing unit 18, and strips S. A snap-fit canister lid (not shown) is used to provide seal. Strip container 16 holds the strips and comprises a desiccating material to provide for absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. Integral friction fit ribs 19 engage with the canister inner walls to hold the container in the canister. Integral strip sorting engagement surface 20 creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon. Slot 21 with a radial width that is greater than the thickness of one strip but less than the thickness of two strips only allows a single layer of strips to dispense through the gap. Integral directing spines 22 direct strips through gap 21. Open arcs 23 are defined in slot 21 by spaced directing spines 22. Hyperbolically tipped spreading cone 24 directs strips to the inner circumference of container 16. Directing cone 25 aids in directing strips through gap 21.

Strip sorting unit 17 directionally sorts the strips into channels 26 between directing spines 27. Unit 17 includes directing spines 27 which guide the strips into channels 26. Channels 26 guide the strips into the strip flexing unit 18. Friction fit ribs 28 hold unit 17 within the strip canister 15. Engagement surface 29 creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon. Strip flexing unit engagement surface 30 creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon.

Strip flexing unit 18 engages strips sorted into the channels 26 of the strip sorting unit 17 through friction and a flexing force. This is in order to stop strips from becoming expelled from the assembly. Friction fit ribs 31 hold unit 18 within strip canister 15. Strip sorting unit engagement surface 32 creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon. Inwardly-sloped ramped strip flexing wall 33 forces the leading tip of the strip to bend and thus accomplishes frictional resistance and a flexing force upon strips as they are dispensed. This is in order to impede the strip from escaping the canister until pulled out by a user.

Example 3 “Stationary Positive Stop Version”—FIGS. 3A-3L

FIG. 3A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser. FIGS. 3B-3E are side, top perspective, top and bottom views, respectively, of the strip guide. FIGS. 3F-3H are perspective, cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the strip container. FIGS. 3I-3K are cross-sectional, top, perspective and cross-sectional in-use views of the assembled strip dispenser, with FIG. 3L a cross-sectional view of the strip dispenser of FIG. 3K.

In this example of strip dispenser 90, the strips S are located in container 35, which is a molded plastic container that comprises a desiccant to help reduce humidity within canister 34. Strip dispenser 90 is particularly constructed and arranged to dispense strips S that have narrow leading end 51 and intermediate wider shoulder 50.

Strip guide 36 is held in post 38 via engagement of cone end 39 in opening 47 that is located in engaging structure 40 at the top end of post 38. Flared cone 45 directs strips into gap 42. Structures 46 define gaps 44 between them that are of increasingly narrow width from bottom to top such that at their top ends they are not as wide as a shoulder of the strip, but gaps 44 are wider than the narrow end of the strip so that the narrow end projects through the gap and thus can be grasped by a user. This construction prevents a strip from fully passing through the gap. The user can grasp the protruding end of a strip and pull it from the device by slightly bending it over one or two structures 46. The bar on the top of guide 36 that lies along a diameter is optionally included to allow the guide to be grasped so that it can be removed, to allow access to the inside of container 35.

Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the drawings and their function. Strip canister 34 contains strip container 35, strip guide 36 and strips S. There is a snap fit lid (not shown) that seals the canister. Strip container 35 holds the strips. It includes a desiccant to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, in order to ensure the efficacy of the strips. Engagement surface 37 creates a smooth continual wall with strip guide 36. Engagement post 38 accomplishes connection with engagement cone end 39, which fits into opening 47 in engaging structure 40.

Strip guide 36 dispenses strips in a directionally limited fashion and contains the strips' momentum. Engagement surface 41 creates a smooth continual wall with container 35. Directing cone 45 aids in directing strips through gaps 42. Specific radially sized gap 42 is wide enough to allow a single layer of strips to dispense. Directing spines 43 direct the strips through the radially sized gap(s) 42. Open arcs 44 are sized to allow a calculated volume of radially sized gaps 42 and directing spines 43. Arcs 44 have a width that is greater than the width of narrow end 51 of strip S but narrower than the width of shoulder 50. Thus, strip stopping apparatus 46 prevents the strips from escaping the canister until pulled out by a user.

The specific features described are not limiting. For example, the dispenser could be made of more or fewer parts. Also, the container does not need to be round. For example the container could be rectangular or oval, or virtually any other perimeter shape. If the slots are generally parallel to the perimeter and located just above the open top of the container, and have a width less than two times the thickness of a strip, only one layer of strips at a time can pass through the slot. The slot width limitation prevents two strips that are stuck together but generally longitudinally aligned from passing through the slot together; this assists with dispensing only one strip at a time. The slots have a length that is at least as great as the width of a strip, so that a strip can pass through the slot with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser, as shown in the drawings. If the slot has a length dimension at least twice the width of a strip, a single thickness layer comprising two (or more) side-by-side strips can pass through a single slot.

Although some features are shown in some drawings but not others that is not a limitation, as the scope of the invention herein is defined by the claims. What is claimed is: 

1. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising: a container that defines a perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of strips; a first structure that defines one or more thin slots that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip, and the slots are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot together; and strip sorting structure that inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the user.
 2. The strip dispenser of claim 1 wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip.
 3. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting structure comprises a stopping piston.
 4. The strip dispenser of claim 3 in which the stopping piston is held in the container via an enlarged end.
 5. The strip dispenser of claim 3 in which the enlarged end is held by a series of flexible arms.
 6. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting structure comprises an angled surface.
 7. The strip dispenser of claim 6 in which the angled surface projects inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the dispenser.
 8. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting structure comprises a series of channels.
 9. The strip dispenser of claim 7 in which the channels are narrowed at their ends such that the ends are slightly less wide than the strips.
 10. The strip dispenser of claim 8 in which the container has a hollow post that defines an opening that accepts a portion of the strip sorting structure.
 11. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting structure is held in the container.
 12. The strip dispenser of claim 10 in which the container comprises desiccating material.
 13. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the first structure defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container.
 14. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the first structure and the strip sorting structure are integral.
 15. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the container is open at one end and the first structure is coupled to the open end.
 16. The strip dispenser of claim 15 in which the strip sorting structure is coupled to the first structure.
 17. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising: an open-top container that is made from a plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of strips; a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip, and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot together; and strip sorting structure that inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the user.
 18. The strip dispenser of claim 17 in which the first structure defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container.
 19. The strip dispenser of claim 17 wherein the strip sorting structure is coupled to the first structure.
 20. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising: an open-top container that is made from a plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of strips; a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip, and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot together, in which the first structure defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the container; and a stopping piston that is held relative to the container by an enlarged end that is held by a series of flexible arms, wherein the stopping piston inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the user. 